PHOTO: PTI

ON A ROLL: Upul Tharanga underlined his growing stature with his fifth one-day hundred in only his 30th match.

MOHALI: When tsunami ravaged Sri Lanka, it also threatened to ruin the cricketing career of Upul Tharanga. Assistance came from expected quarters when Kumar Sangakkara guided the 19-year-old through a turbulent period that rocked the nation like never before.

On Saturday, Tharanga gave a strong statement to confirm the self-belief that enabled him to come up with a sterling performance at the PCA Stadium in the qualifying match of the Champions Trophy.

There was a touch of history to the batting craft that brought the best out of this dashing left-hander, who has moulded himself after the explosive Sanath Jayasuriya, a silent admirer at the other end.

Tharanga became the first batsman to have cracked five centuries in his first 30 one-day internationals, an indication of the youngster's potential.

Not an ideal start

It certainly was not the ideal start to a much-hyped competition.

Overzealous security men were an eye sore and the absence of spectators cast an insipid cover over the contest.

In choosing to bowl Bangladesh allowed Sri Lanka the advantage of setting an imposing target.

There was little threat from the pitch as the grassy surface was a mere illusion and shot-making was a pleasure right through. Sri Lankans love such environs and Tharanga exemplified it richly with a power-packed knock.

Doing no good

There never was any doubt that Bangladesh would find the going tough but it hardly enhanced its reputation either with its sloppy fielding or erratic bowling. After making an initial impression, the bowlers surrendered to the desires of Tharanga and his partners as runs came far too easily and rapidly.

A compact batsman who loves to meet the ball on the rise, Tharanga batted his way into a position of strength by launching an early attack based on firm drives in front. Of course, he was quick to spot the short balls and whack them with disdain, just as Jayasuriya at the other end, who set the tempo by charging out to a fast bowler as if dealing with a spinner.

Jayasuriya was enjoying his stint in the middle when he a casual movement cost him dearly. Tharanga watched Mahela Jayawardene come and depart after playing some exquisite shots. Sangakkara too wasted an opportunity to feast on an attack lacking in motivation.

Dominating partnership

When Marvan Atapattu joined Tharanga, the partnership set the most aesthetic phase of the evening. The emphasis was on dominating and they scattered the field with clinical placements that left the bowlers demoralised. Tharanga lost little time in reading the pitch and was not averse to lofting the ball. A quick learner, he grew in stature with every over, losing his wicket only when wanting to plunder and not gather runs. His innings stood out for sheer quality, the reputation of the opposition attack notwithstanding. It had entertainment written all over.

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